2023 in review: The year Saudi Arabia became sports superpower - Al-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Analysis

Jack Dutton

Dec 27, 2023

Ronald Al Nassr — Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Nassr and Al-Riyadh at King Saud University Stadium on Dec. 8, 2023, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. — Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images

A Saudi fan holds a scarf with portraits of King Salman (L) and his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Analysis

What MBS' latest sports reforms mean for soccer in Saudi Arabia

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - MAY 4: Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates after scoring the 2nd goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Nassr and Al Wehda at Al Awwal Park on May 4, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.(Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Analysis

Saudi Arabia's soccer dreams tested as Vision 2030 goal posts move

Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Fans of Saudi Arabia pose with national flags on the stands ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group C football match between Saudi Arabia and Mexico at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on Nov. 30, 2022.

Saudi Arabia set to host 2034 World Cup after Australia withdraws

Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Saudi fighter Abdullah al-Qahtani (R) and US fighter David Zelner (L) compete during the Professional Fighters League 2023 playoffs featherweight fight at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Aug. 23, 2023.

Saudi sovereign fund takes on fighting world with investment in MMA

Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change